Home Instead
National home care provider with over 255 local offices and a minimum visit length of one hour.
Home Instead provides companionship, personal care, home help, overnight and respite care, live-in care and specialist support for dementia, Parkinson's, cancer and palliative needs, through more than 255 locally owned offices across the UK. Notably, every visit lasts at least an hour — many agencies offer 15 or 30 minute calls, which can feel rushed. Services are regulated by the CQC in England and by the Care Inspectorate, Care Inspectorate Wales and RQIA elsewhere. Offices are individually owned, so check the CQC report for your local one.
Before you commit
- Get a written quotation and never agree to a price on the doorstep or over the phone.
- Take your time. A genuine company will not pressure you with a "today only" discount.
- Ask a family member or friend to sit in on the visit if you can.
- Check whether you qualify for VAT relief, a council grant, or free equipment first.
- You normally have 14 days to cancel an order agreed at home or online, though bespoke fitted items can be an exception — get the cancellation terms in writing.